Suffolk Animal Rescue (SAR) based in Stowmarket, was formed in 1997. Their ethos is to help any feral cats, or any breed of dog (regardless of their considered ease), to find a forever home. To date, the charity has raised just under £900 with easyfundraising, so we spoke to one of their 35 supporters, Sarah, to find out more about the organisation and how they have raised so well.
Tell us about Suffolk Animal Rescue
Having previously been part of a national animal charity for several years, SAR founder Jayne Roberts became disillusioned by the politics, lack of back up and being dictated as to what breeds she could take in. After an intensive fundraising effort, in 1997 Jayne would set up her new charity alone, be answerable only to herself, enabling her to make the best decisions in the name of animal welfare. This was the beginning of Suffolk Animal Rescue.
There are few things that set SAR apart. Many organisations do not take in feral cats because they are not ‘cost effective’ and require time and rehabilitation. Suffolk Animal Rescue specialises in feral cats because they need our help the most and we believe that once tamed, they will reward you tenfold with love and affection. SAR has a cattery in Debenham run by Jayne, with a smaller overflow facility run by Andrea in Ipswich.
Secondly, SAR works takes on all breeds of dog. Many re-homing centres will not accept certain difficult breeds but SAR believes that any breed, and every dog deserves the chance of happiness, comfort and love.
Thirdly, we also help many ‘small furries’ get re-homed. Guinea pigs, rabbits – if there is an animal in need we will always do our best to help them find a forever home.
The organisation relies on support from our community. We have a charity shop started in Ipswich this may be small but it does a roaring trade and greatly contributes towards SAR’s food and vet bills.
What does SAR need funding for?
One of the most expensive parts of running an animal rescue is the running costs – mainly food and vets bills, along with toys, bedding etc. We also own a few different premises across Suffolk, catteries and kennels and we are in the process of purchasing more premises so we can cope with the ongoing demand for rescue services.
Why did SAR join easyfundraising?
That’s just it – it’s EASY fundraising. One of my greatest pleasures is shopping, and now it earns my charity donations without me having to spend anything extra than I already am. The fact it’s free makes it really simple to ‘sell in’ to your supporters. They may be small donations raised with most shops, but the old saying is true – watch the pennies and the pounds take care of themselves!
What has the money raised so far helped to fund?
With increasing demands and costs for treatment, travel and food, we have been using the easyfundraising income towards these costs. Every penny is vital to our service, it means these animals can be helped to find their forever homes and we can be there for as many as possible.
Is there a particular project you are currently fundraising for?
We are looking to expand – we have to, demand for our service is increasing all the time. We are in the process of purchasing new premises and it isn’t cheap!
How do you promote your cause and increase supporters?
I regularly share our cause page on our social media channels. We also have a newsletter we send out to all donors / sponsors / re-homers where we update how much has been raised so far and a reminder of how they can support us so easily.
What is your top tip for other causes to raise as well as you have?
Keep spreading the word and take full advantage of all the tools that easyfundraising offer. The app is brilliant, just a few extra taps and you’re raising. There is also the Donation Reminder which lets you know when donations are available with retailers you may not know offer them.
How you can support Suffolk Animal Rescue
We love hearing about organisations like SAR, small operations that make a huge difference for animal welfare across the community. Every animal deserves a chance and thanks to charities like SAR, those across Suffolk will get just that. If you’d like to support Suffolk Animal rescue with every online shop, sign up to support their cause here.
Part of a cause that isn’t already using easyfundraising? Register a new cause here.
If you are interested in re-homing an animal or would like to know more about SAR, visit their website here.